Illustration
Hire Illustrators for Custom Artwork
Illustrators create original artwork that gives books, brands, products and campaigns a distinctive look.
The role
What illustrators do
An illustrator develops sketches from a brief, explores style and composition, creates final artwork, and prepares files for print or digital use. Most illustrators have a recognisable style, so choosing the right person often starts with the portfolio.
Typical deliverables
- Concept sketches
- Final illustrations
- Print and web files
- Spot illustrations for websites
- Illustration style guides
Tools you will see
- Procreate
- Adobe Illustrator
- Photoshop
- Clip Studio Paint
- Traditional media
Choosing
How to choose illustrators
What to look for
- A portfolio style close to what you need.
- Clear sketch and revision stages.
- Consistency across a series.
- Clear licensing terms.
Questions to ask
- 1How many sketches and revisions are included?
- 2What rights will I receive?
- 3Can you match an existing style?
- 4What files will you deliver?
Planning
Before you post the job
Usage rights
Agree how artwork can be used: website, merchandise, advertising or exclusive ownership.
What drives cost
Detail, number of images, usage rights, colour and deadline.
Hiring on Open Lance
- Posting a job and reviewing proposals are free.
- Each milestone is funded into escrow before work starts and paid when you approve it.
- Hire fixed-price, hourly, as a monthly Dedicated Hire, or buy a packaged Drop-In.
- Client fees are shown before you pay and added on top of the work.
FAQ
Questions about hiring illustrators
Can I ask an illustrator to change their style?
Some can adapt, but hiring someone whose existing style fits usually gives better results.
Digital or traditional illustration?
Both can work. Traditional art may need scanning and cleanup for digital use.
Who owns commissioned artwork?
It depends on the agreement. Specify ownership or licence terms before work starts.
Related
Related skills
Post a job for illustrators
Describe the work and compare proposals. You only fund the first milestone once you have chosen someone.